Liberty Buys A Large Charter Chunk
Liberty Media is on the move again, this time entering into a definitive agreement with fourth-ranked MSO Charter Communications to acquire nearly 27 million Charter shares and approximately 1.1 million warrants for some $2.6 billion, translating into an approximate 27.3-percent beneficial ownership in Charter and a $95.50 price per share. The investment funds are managed by, or affiliated with, Apollo Management, Oaktree Capital Management and Crestview Partners; Liberty says it expects to fund the purchase with cash on hand and new loan arrangements. The chairmen of both companies – John Malone and Eric Zinterhofer – both praised Charter (and Charter President/CEO Tom Rutledge) for its forward-looking strategy, market position and growth opportunities, and they characterize this investment as being part of the financial pathway to sustained future success. The shares/warrants deal should close sometime in the second quarter.